Ken Hillier was first inspired by watching the Junior Dixie Championships held at Cypress Gardens, Florida on a trip with his wife Marie and son Roland.  This tournament sparked his enthusiasm that led him to becoming a Senior Judge in the AWSA.  

He did compete in the Sr. Men Division during the 1960's and 70's but he was far more interested in Judging, coaching and promoting the AWSA.  He built an official towboat using a Hydrodyne shell he got from Hydrodyne powered by twin Mercury outboard engines and took it to tournaments in the Southeast Region including The Masters.  

To promote Collegiate events, he became coach of the Rollins Water Ski Team in the mid 1960's where he also judged at collegiate events including the National Collegiate Tournaments at Cypress Garden in the 1960's and early 70's with Stew McDonald, Elmer Stallings, Harry Rob and others. 

Being the Assistant Chief Judge of the National is what he considered one of his greatest accomplishments next to coaching his son Roland to the World Championship Slalom and Overall titles in Australia in 1965/66. Also recognizing Kenflite Marine (waterskis and boats) and skis/binders he made for 2 World Champions and a boys National Slalom winner.